‎Manchester City target Xavi Simons as backup option to Rayan Cherki amid transfer talks

By: Shawn
‎Manchester City have set their sights on RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons as a potential fallback option if they fail to reach an agreement for Lyon playmaker Rayan Cherki, according to L'Équipe.
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‎Manchester City eye Xavi Simons as Rayan Cherki backup amid De Bruyne exit. Leipzig star on radar as transfer talks with Lyon continue.
‎Getty Images Sport 
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‎With Kevin De Bruyne expected to leave the Etihad this summer, City are actively searching for a creative midfield replacement. Cherki, 21, has reportedly agreed personal terms with the Premier League champions, and City are preparing a formal offer close to his £25 million ($34 million) release clause.
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‎Should negotiations with Lyon stall, Simons is next in line. The Dutch midfielder only signed permanently with Leipzig in January, but their failure to qualify for the Champions League could pave the way for his exit. Simons is also attracting interest from Manchester United and Arsenal, making City’s interest part of a broader Premier League pursuit.
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‎Simons' technical prowess and attacking vision fit the mold of a Guardiola-style midfielder. While Cherki remains the club's top priority, Simons is viewed as a capable and high-upside alternative to fill the creative void left by De Bruyne.
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‎Manchester City are expected to move swiftly in the coming days as they look to finalise a deal for Cherki or pivot decisively toward Simons.

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